Smithfield Foods is elevating the head of its renewable energy and sustainability efforts to oversee hog production at the world's largest pork processor.
The company said Tuesday that Kraig Westerbeek will take over as president of hog production operations effective Feb. 29. Westerbeek, who began his career with Smithfield in 1993, will report to Shane Smith, president and CEO.
“Kraig has been an extremely valuable asset to Smithfield Foods throughout his career,” Smith said in a statement. “His extensive experience in our hog production division has helped keep Smithfield on the forefront of our industry, and I look forward to his continued leadership.”
Westerbeek helped form and lead Smithfield Renewables, the company’s carbon reduction and renewable energy platform. Most recently, he was chief development officer of Monarch Renewables, a joint venture between Smithfield, Roeslein Alternative Energy and TPG Rise Climate. Monarch projects focused on converting methane from manure into renewable natural gas to power homes, vehicles and businesses.
Throughout his career, Westerbeek has held various leadership roles at Smithfield, including vice president of support operations for hog production.
Earlier this month, Smithfield made two management-level hires. The company appointed Brendan Smith as chief marketing officer and Allyson Bouldon as chief ethics and compliance officer.
The leadership changes come during a period of transition for Smithfield. The company recently ended 26 contracts with hog growers in Utah, which led to layoffs and position eliminations that supported the state’s hog operation relationships. It also trimmed operations in Missouri and North Carolina last year.
